Internet/Online

Description

Selected academic classes are taught using the Internet to send and receive course information. Most of these courses are presented in Blackboard, which is a Web-based course management system designed to allow students and faculty to participate in classes via the Internet. A few courses are presented in an instructor-designed website. In either case, the student will log onto a specified URL to participate in the class and to use tools and links for class activities and assignments. The majority of these classes do not require the student to attend class meetings in person on any campus; however, some of them have a limited number of required meetings. When you take a look at the Course Table, be sure to read the contents of the "In-Person Requirements" column to determine the level of face-to-face commitment necessary for the class. With a few exceptions, these are regular semester-length courses with daily to weekly mandatory participation deadlines and requirements.

Skill Level

While Internet classes offer students additional and broader educational opportunities, the classes are not designed to teach computer or Internet skills. Students who do not have basic skills can register for a computer skills class prior to taking an Internet-based class.

Requirements for Students:

• Proficient basic computer and Internet skills. Before class begins, you must be able to: navigate the Internet using a browser; navigate among and between multiple open windows; open, close, and save files and attachments; and send and receive email attachments. If you do not have these skills, the instructor may administratively drop you from the course.
• A mature learning style and the ability to be organized and self motivated.
• Effective written communication skills and the ability to understand written information and communication.
• Mandatory attendance at in-person class meetings, if they are set up as part of the class. Some Internet classes may require you to attend meetings or labs on the main Boise State campus. When registering online through BroncoWeb, be sure to read the "Details" information for each Internet class to determine if there are any in-person requirements. If meetings are noted, they are mandatory, not optional.
• Mandatory class participation as required by the instructor. Students can expect to have daily to weekly activities and assignments with strictly enforced deadlines. A discussion board is also often used for real-time discussion between the instructor and other students.
• Ability to contact the instructor independently via telephone or email in a timely manner with questions or problems.
• Frequent access to the BroncoMail student email account assigned to every student at Boise State. Prior to the start of class, an email will be sent to each enrolled student's BroncoMail account. The instructor will provide important information concerning class startup, including instructions on how to access the course website.
• Possession of a Boise State student identification number for access to online resources and a student ID card for proctored testing purposes, if required.
• Technology:
  • Computer: regular access to a PC or Mac computer with at least 64MB RAM.
  • System: system platform of Windows 95 or newer, Mac OS 8 or newer, or Linux.
  • Internet: dependable access with 56K or better modem.
  • Web Browser: Internet Explorer 6 or newer, Firefox 2 or newer, Netscape 8 or newer, Safari 2 or newer, Opera 8 or newer, or equivalent.
  • Other: specific course requirements may include software such as Open Office; Microsoft Word, Excel, or PowerPoint; Acrobat Reader; QuickTime, Real Player, or Microsoft Media Player; or other specialized hardware or software as specified by the instructor.
  Take a look at the Blackboard Student Manual for more information on using Blackboard.
• Other requirements as specified.

Free Blackboard E-Learning Class

Before you sign up for an Internet/Online class, take a look at the Courseware Management System (Blackboard) used by Boise State to deliver these classes at a distance. Though there is no interactivity involved in this free e-learning course (i.e. no other students and no instructor involved), you can get a good idea of what the Blackboard learning environment looks like. You can also get a feel for how your class will most likely be structured.

Access Instructions:

• Blackboard Free e-Learning class site: http://blackboard.boisestate.edu/.
• Click the User Login button.
• Click the User Preview button.
• Click the Course tab.
• Do a search for “self study” (enter “self study” in the text box and click Go)
• Click on “Introduction to e-Learning at Boise State – Self-Study”

Take this free E-Learning class now!

Last reviewed: December 10, 2007